Music: Harpreet Singh

Lyrics: Rajeev Pal Singh Rana, Ubaid Azam Azmi, A M Turaz

Approach Baat Ban Gayiwith zero expectations and chances are you will be surprised. First is the presence of Sonu Nigam – missing from the music scene for quite some time and the other is the absence of different forced versions (rock, dhol etc etc) of the songs.

The album opens with guitar strumming Naseeba by Ash King. The soft, melodious track is easy on ears and raises the expectation from the album. While the lyrics do not add much value to the song, music director Harpreet Singh uses the chorus in a very innovative manner. The composition is interesting and may remind you of something very similar you have heard somewhere.

The next song Dance Karna by Sardar Ali and Ash King is the essential Punjabi number the albums must have these days. With lyrics like Dance Karna you know where you are headed to once the song starts playing. The music does not disappoint and has the potential to be a dance number.

The singer who is very choosy with his songs, surprises you with Man Yu Shudi. Sonu Nigam is in his elements and this song is just what he is so good at. The song is loaded with love and Sonu’s voice only makes it a better deal. Man Shudi may sound similar to a number from Raanjhanaabut barring the title there is nothing in common. Sonu takes the song to a different level and gives the song that Rock song feeling it so badly needed. This song without doubt is the pick of the album.

Bhago Mohan Pyare in the voice of Nakash Aziz takes a lighter look when you land in a soup. The title taken from classic Jaago Mohan Pyare lists all the funny situations which the character finds himself in and has to make a run to save his life.

The album ends with what probably is dedicated to one of the characters in the movie. Katto Rani by Javed Ali and Meenal Jain has nothing new to offer in terms of either arrangement or lyrics or singing. Its just a song which will be used because there has to be a song at a particular situation.

The length of the entire album is just 15:48 seconds. The songs finish even before you realise. A rather too short by Bollywood standards but nonetheless a sweet surprise.

Over the years filmmakers have stirred up patriotic feelings with inspiring films. But it is the many soulful songs from these productions that have the real impact….

Music has the power to invoke the strongest and deepest feelings. And while most of us are lost in our-day-to-day life, when we hear a patriotic song, it pierces our hearts and brings out that latent pride that we all have in our country, India. From Yeh desh hai veer jawano ka to Rang de basanti, these songs inspire us to do something heroic for our motherland. And most importantly, they remind how much we love our country.

As India celebrates the 67th year of Independence, we present a list of songs that always leave us teary-eyed and ready to do battle in the name of India. How do you react when you hear….

Ye desh hai veer jawano ka: Beautifully composed by OP Nayyar, this song is from Naya Daur (1975). Sung by Mohammed Rafi and S Balbir, it became popular with it typically Punjabi tone and desi beats lending it a rural touch.

Aye mere watan ke logon: This patriotic song was written by Kavi Pradeep and composed by C. Ramchandra to honour the Indian soldiers who died during the Sino-Indian War. Just two months after the war ended, the song was famously performed live on January 27, 1963 by Lata Mangeshkar at the National Stadium in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on account of Republic Day.

Dil diya hai jaan bhi denge: Karma released in 1986 and it starred Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Naseeruddin Shah. M.Aziz & Kavita Krishnamurthy sang this melodious song that became a national rage. Music composer Laxmikant Pyarelal and lyricist Anand Bakshi depicted the feeling of patriotism beautifully.

Vande mataram: AR Rahman reinvented the national song and truly succeeded in capturing the essence of India in it. Every time you hear this one it seems as is the words Vande matram are rising from Rahman’s soul.

Bharat humko jaan se pyaara hai: Composed by Oscar winning composer AR Rahman, this song from the 1992 hit film Roja was sung by Hariharan. The patriotic number advocates the feeling of brotherhood between people. The sudden change of tempo gives it an edge.

Sandese aate hain: This heart-wrenching song is from 1997 war film Border. Written by Javed Akhtar, and with Anu Malik composing the music, the song became the nation’s anthem after the film released.

Mera rang de basanti chola: Composed by AR Rahman and based on a traditional folk number, this song is from Rajkumar Santoshi’s The Legend of Bhagat Singh. The song carries an intense Punjabi flavour in its composition, but with Rahman´s modern touches it takes on a new life. Lyrically, the track is patriotic and traditional.

Rang de basanti: A peppy and relevant number for the youth of today, this song from the Aamir Khan starrer Rang De Basanti was composed by AR Rahman and written by Prasoon Joshi. This popular track was also used during a flash mob dance at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai on November 27, 2011, in honour of those who died in the 26/11 attacks on the city.

Zindagi maut na ban jaaye: From Aamir Khan starrer Sarfarosh, this is a new age patriotic track. Sung by Sonu Niigaam and Roop Kumar Rathod, it succeeded in instilling a feeling of nationalism in its listeners.

]]>http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/independence-day-special-10-songs-that-evoke-our-patriotism/feed/0Sonu Nigam: The mindset of people in UP and Bihar needs to changehttp://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/sonu-nigam-the-mindset-of-people-in-up-and-bihar-needs-to-change/
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/sonu-nigam-the-mindset-of-people-in-up-and-bihar-needs-to-change/#commentsTue, 26 Feb 2013 06:38:34 +0000Shweta Parande | IANShttp://www.bollywoodlife.com/?p=194351

The singer reacts after Manish Jain, owner of Teerthanker Mahaveer University, humiliated him after a concert

Singer Sonu Nigam, who was at a show at a college in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad city on Saturday night (February 23), is upset after Manish Jain, the organiser and college owner, humiliated him post concert by not letting him catch his flight from Delhi despite repeated requests.

“I was not supposed to go for the show as my mom was in a critical condition and despite that I went and performed for three hours as I had given a commitment. But I was completely zapped with the behaviour of Manish Jain who is the college owner,” Sonu told reporters on February 25.

“After the concert I had to leave for Delhi to catch the 4am flight and he (Jain) was just not letting us go, as he was getting his friends and family to click pictures with me. I patiently did that and when I said my mom is unwell and I have to leave, he started saying he had spent Rs 50 lakh for the show and would not let me (Nigam) leave till he clicked pictures with everyone,” he added.

Jain is the group Vice-Chairman of Teerthanker Mahaveer University where Nigam performed. The singer patiently stayed 1.25am and was extremely upset. He said people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar need to change their mindset and this is one of the reasons why artistes avoid concerts in these states.

“Police there were helpless and I could see ‘sorry’ in the eyes of policemen. I am from UP myself and I don’t have anything against anybody but the mindset of people there needs to be changed. Why do you think there are no shows happening in Bihar?” he said.

Despite this entire incident, Nigam says he is no mood to lodge a case. “I did not overreact at the time but had things gone worse, I would have gone ahead. The idea is that I want people to know how artistes are treated at times. My intention is that artistes should be respected because we are here to entertain you,” said the 39-year-old.

The versatile singer turns 39 today

Sonu Nigam (born July 30, 1973) celebrates his 39th birthday today. His fans are rejoicing as not only is it a day of celebration for him, but because one more special day has passed without their idol making the dreaded announcement. It was on the eve of his 33rd birthday that Sonu shocked everyone by claiming that he was going to slowly retire from playback singing. He would be cutting down on his songs gradually, he insisted, till one day he would stop singing altogether. He said that his aim when he entered the industry had been to make a name for himself as a playback singer. Since he’s achieved that, he’ll begin his retirement process. In the six years since then, Sonu has slowly done exactly that. While he has sung plenty of Kannada songs, his Bollywood songs have diminished in number. Though if you look at it quality wise, they are as good – if not better – than those he had sung earlier, in our opinion. Almost all of them are hits too – All izz well (3 Idiots), In lamhon ke daaman mein (Jodhaa Akbar), Soniyo (Raaz: The Mystery Continues), Chori kiya re jiya (Dabangg), Tere bin (Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji) and Allah maaf kare (Desi Boyz) being a few. Oh, and how can we forget Phir milenge chalte chalte (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), where he channelised Kishore Kumar and Mohd Rafi! Over the years, he has not lost his magic – he proved that with his rendition of Abhi mujh mein kahin in Agneepath and Dil ko uff in Teri Meri Kahaani. He can definitely still leave us speechless.

Of course, there are songs like Yeh Joker in Shirish Kunder’s Joker and Maara re in Ferrari Ki Sawaari which make us groan, ‘Why Sonu, why!’ But that doesn’t stop us from eagerly waiting for his next. We wish him a very happy birthday!

The soundtrack of Ekta Kapoor’s latest film has been scored by numerous music directors, who have composed a peppy and fun album

In 2005, Kyaa Kool Hai Hum wrote a new chapter in the genre of comedy films and its much awaited sequel promises to tickle our funny bone once again. One gets a feel of it through the soundtrack of Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum – a peppy and funny album, totally in sync with the essence of the movie.

The album starts off with Dil garden garden ho gaya, which has Vishal Dadlani crooning in his high-pitched voice well supported by modern techno sounds. The track has a very youthful touch and is bound to be noticed. It also has a remixed version, which isn’t radically different from the original track. Some electronic beats have been added to the composition, but the remixed song fails to create the desired effect. It’s better to stick to the original.

Next up is Shirt da button. It is an unusual title for a romantic song. The lyrics are a bit comical, but Sonu Niigaam‘s voice carries the track on its shoulder and delivers it with perfection. Sonu has sung it so beautifully that the song touches you instantly. The use of handclaps to give it a qawwali feel in between also works well for the composition. It also has a second version, albeit in a slower avatar.

The alternate track has been sung by the soulful Kailash Kher in a mellowed down manner. It has more of a qawwali touch, which takes one back to the song Tu jaane na from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. It’s hard to choose the better one here as both the versions are equally compelling and are an absolute treat to the ears.

Hum toh hain cappuccino (UP-Bihar lootne) is a twisted version of Shilpa Shetty’s famed dance number UP-Bihar lootne from Shool. It has vocals by Daler Mehndi, Sukhwinder Singh, Swaroop and actor Riteish Deshmukh. Incidentally Riteish donned the writer’s hat and penned the Marathi lyrics for the number. Hum toh… fills you with nostalgia and instantly grows on you with the array of voices that keep you hooked. It has a very raw feel.

Next up is an out and out dance number titled Volume high karle. Sung by Neeraj Shridhar, the song is high on electronic and techno beats, but the lyrics are very ordinary and the composition deserved a better treatment. It also has a remixed version, which like the original, falls short of expectations. Even with the addition of powerful beats, it doesn’t create the desired effect.

The final verdict – the music of Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum has some highs and lows, but deserves a hear as it manages to lift your ‘kool’ quotient.

The two actors bonded on stage and even performed together

Actor Priyanka Chopra paid a heartwarming and thrilling tribute to yesteryear actor Rekha at the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards Saturday by dancing to some of her popular Bollywood songs.

Priyanka’s performance came ahead of the special honour conferred to Rekha for outstanding achievement in Indian cinema at the ceremony, organised by Wizcraft International Entertainment. She started off with a remixed version of In aakhon ki masti ke from Umrao Jaan and went on to groove on songs like Salaam-e-Ishq meri jaan, Pyar do pyaar lo and Pardesiya. However, her performance rose to a different level when she was joined by Rekha herself. Posing like Dharmendra, Priyanka was seen getting into naughty antics with the veteran actor while performing on Rafta rafta.

After receiving the special award, Rekha, known for her films like Khoobsurat and Silsila, said, “I would like to dedicate this award to my producers who have inspired me and the young actors of our industry like Ranbir Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Priyanka Chopra…who are super talented. I am proud that I continue to be a part of the film fraternity.” SEE PICS BELOW

After hits like Dabangg and Housefull 2, the music director duo delivers an average score

From the storehouse of upbeat music, Sajid-Wajid, comes another album in the form of Rowdy Rathore. Having doled out chartbusters for films such as Dabangg and Housefull 2, one would expect the musical duo to deliver yet another hit. But though they have a lot to offer through the Rowdy Rathore soundtrack, it falls short of tall expectations.

The album kicks off with Chinta ta ta, crooned by the man with the Midas touch, Mika Singh, who has been giving hits after hits. The catchy phrase just lingers onto your mind even though you may not be hooked on to it after hearing it for the first time. The track is not a runaway hit and it takes time to grow on you.

Next up is Chammak challo chel chabel, which marks the comeback of Kumar Sanu. With over 17,000 songs to his credit, Sanu has sung this duet with Shreya Goshal. Their melodious blend surprisingly takes you back to the romance of the 1990s. It is an absolute delight to hear Sanu, who has returned to his forte of romantic numbers after six years.

Since the film is christened ‘Rowdy’ Rathore, it would be unfair to not have a fitting song that justifies the title. Aa re pritam pyaredoes that and it is said to be the ‘rowdiest song of the year’. Custom-made for the voice of Mamta Sharma, your frown at the lyrics quickly metamorphoses into some foot-tapping.

Another song reminiscent of the ’90s is Tera ishq bada teekha. The number also takes you back to the 1990s. A duet by Javed Ali and Shreya Goshal, the song’s male vocals eerily remind one of Sonu Niigaam. It is just the perfect number for some nostalgia!

Next up on the playlist is Dhadang dhang dhang, sung by Wajid and Shreya Ghoshal. The beginning of this song is inadvertently similar to the beats of the hit song Aaila re aaila re, filmed on Sanjay Dutt and Shilpa Shetty in the film Jung. Dhadang... is a conversational song, but doesn’t elicit appreciation. The composition is quite average and lyrics are disappointingly mediocre. A big thumbs down for this one.

It is followed by a lullaby that comes in the form of Chandaniya (Lori lori) sung by Shreya. It is the lone soothing number in this over-the-top album. However, the strums have close resemblance to AR Rahman’s music in Roja. An absolute delight to hear.

Last but not the least is the title track Rowdy Mix, which opens with Akshay Kumar creating a statement with ‘Jo main bolta hun woh main karta hun, jo main nahin bolta woh main definitely karta hun‘. Sarosh Sami is good with the backing vocals but what makes you groove are the beats, which couple well with the rowdy style.

By and large, the album, despite good songs, leaves a sense of discontentment. Having produced hit albums in the past, Sajid-Wajid definitely could have churned out something better.

B-towns most popular singers come together in an album launched to counter the rampant piracy which is causing huge losses to the music industry

Every now and then we see a bunch of Bollywood celebs coming forward and lending their names to causes that are dear to them. The last time we saw B-towners come out and support a cause was when social activist Anna Hazare decided to fight corruption. This time the most popular Bollywood singers have come together and launched an album, Salaami Ho Jaaye, asking people to show some respect to the creative people, who are suffering, because of piracy.

A popular website has taken the initiative and brought together artists like Sonu Niigaam, Mohit Chauhan, Shaan, Shankar Mahadevan, Kailash Kher and Sunidhi Chauhan to launch the first-of-its-kind musical anthem that has been created as a positive counterpoint to music piracy by focusing on celebrating Indian music artists’ creativity.

The multi-singer/collaborative song is conceived and composed by music director Shamir Tandon, who has earlier worked on the music of Madhur Bhandarkar’s Page 3 and Corporate, among others. Besides the leading singers, Asha Bhonsle’s granddaughter Zanai Bhosle, also makes her debut with this anthem and sings the last few lines. You can download the song free of cost here. Listen to the song and tell us if you liked it.

The singer wowed members of the exclusive music club with his live-wire performance

Be it playback singing, music albums or live performances, there is one singer who never fails to disappoint music lovers: Sonu Niigaam. Ghazal singer Talat Aziz, who has been mentor to Sonu in his struggling days, was not wrong in describing him as the ‘true rockstar’ at the Gitanjali Le Club Musique event held in Mumbai on April 1. Sonu enthralled audiences at the exclusive music night organised by Bina Aziz and Lucky Morani’s music club. He charmed everyone by appearing on stage from among the guests, and then hugging the newly crowned Miss India 2012 winners, who were also present. Sonu went on to perform some of his hit Bollywood numbers and also his personal favourites, including ballads, patriotic songs and dance tracks, and some of his original album numbers on demand. He presented fantastic versions of the songs, fusing them together better than anyone else and also indulging in some jugalbandi with the guitarist and drummer.

Musical greats including Usha Uthup, Leslie Lewis, Talat Aziz, Adnan Sami, Shibani Kashyap, Sapna Awasthi, Suleiman Merchant, Anoushka Manchanda and others were enjoying Sonu’s music. Not wanting to leave his colleagues and mentors out, Sonu invited them on stage and sang along with them, mimicking them and sharing anecdotes. Even though he had returned from a concert in Pune the previous night, Sonu was in top form and came in to entertain – leaving the audience clapping, whistling and humming along. Actors Shahrukh Khan, Zayed Khan, Rohit Roy and Anoop Soni were also present at the event, and former Miss India Ankita Shorey launched the Lucera Collection of fashion jewellery as the new brand ambassador. VIEW PICS BELOW

The song from Bittoo Boss is catching people’s fancy. Read on to know how the rest of the album fares

Forget about BhaagDK Bose from Delhi Belly, now Bittoo Boss is here to take over. Already, embroiled in a controversy with the censor board having a problem with its double innuendo lyrics, most people still haven’t heard the song. Naughty to the core, in this song singer Mika dabbles with the international sound of composer Raghav Sachar. After a two-year hiatus, Raghav has done just the perfect job of East meets West with the soundtrack with three lyricists at his disposal.

The title track of the album Bittoo sab ki lega instantly hits you. If you are able to adjust your ear buds to the unconventional words and engross in the music, the song is a pure delight. Penned by Luv Ranjan of Pyaar Ka Punchnama fame, the song is so likeable that you will keep pressing the repeat button over and over again.

Next on the playlist is Kick lag gayi. Sung by Mater Saleem and Tulsi Kumar, it is tailormade for wedding galas. A heady mix of traditional lyrics like Latthe di chaadhar fused with Punjabi beats, the song makes you break free. It even has a reference to pop star Lady Gaga. The song has another version with Raghav himself taking centrestage as singer. Both versions are equally good, but the former is more upbeat though it’s hard to choose the better one in terms of composition.

Relaxing you on the couch is Kaun kenda, a love song crooned by Sonu Niigaam and Shreya Ghoshal. It reminds you a lot of the song Dekho na from Fanaa. The Punjabi lyrics touch you and the duo has done a wonderful job transporting you to the mustard fields of Punjab. Brownie points to Raghav for including a qawwali segment that gives the song a mystic feel. The song also has a slower acoustic version with Shreya behind the mike along with background intone of Shahid Mallya.

Love is followed by heartbreak in the form of Mann jaage. Sung by Shahid, the number explores sadness that creeps in when the person you love the most goes away.

But the next number Kabootar peps up the mood and Mika again delivers the right punch. Although it doesn’t surpass the title song, one has to admit that every song by Mika these days is a sure shot hit with the desi tadka that he propounds with his majestic voice.

Last but not the least is Audi, a signature Raghav song. Natalie Di Luccio joins him in it. Although it has Punjabi lyrics, the chemistry Raghav creates by enjoining guitar riffs with R&B sounds makes it different.

All and all, the soundtrack is worth a buy and hopefully Bollywood gets to see more of Raghav in the times to come.